Christmas at La Loma

There are plenty of reasons why I love celebrating Christmas at La Loma:
1. Good food, i.e. Morcon, Lumpiang Sariwa, prepared by Tita Bebe.
2. Of course food prepared by Tita Lea, with the favorite Maha Blanca.
3. Miyok's pasta.
The good part, each family will make an effort to prepare their own specialty. So every year, they also look forward to the deserts that I make.
4. Gift giving. You see the appreciation for every gift given, and of course the effort to give with what you can.

This year:
5. Marlene gave us the same shirts that we all wore.
6. The lucky girl is Mavee! She had the most number of gifts and the most beautiful ones. We were more excited while she was opening them.
7. The newest addition to the Marcial clan, the handsome Zac!


8. Cousins growing up, babies turning kids. Adults turning kids.
9. Neverending picture taking! Fun. Fun. Fun.
10. Family bonding. Filled with lots and lots of laughter.

Noche Buena

This is the first Christmas in our new home. I was happy because Papogs agreed to spend the Noche Buena with us. Though we didn’t have the usual “Sopas na Tadyang”, we setteld for just the ham and Queso de bola sandwich, and the hot Tsokolate E. With our cute Belen transferred on the dining table, we were all happy to be together celebrating the birth of Jesus.

Nanay Norma

My sisters and I, especially me, got the high-pitched tone of our voice from our mom. And where else would Mommy Rose get her high-pitched tone? Of course from her mom, Nanay Norma. Nanay was a pianist and a singer when she was young. We are always in awe when she plays the piano and sings in her Soprano voice. Our ever sweet, caring and loving lola. When I talk to her on the phone, she will never forget to say I love you very much before hanging up.

When she prays, it would usually take a while because she won’t forget to name each and every member of the family, even up to the children of her grandsons and granddaughters, cousins in the third and fourth degrees. But then, I've always admired her faith in God, and I always think that God listens to her prayers more.

Nanay Norma loves all her sons and daughters very very very much. That's how she'd say it. And even up to now, with her age, she will still try to provide for them with whatever can give, not saving for herself. And so this time, it's our turn: "Happy Birthday Nanay Norma. We love you very very very much!"

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas

We have attended a couple of Christmas parties but this is actually the first, that I am really excited. This year, it was a barbecue party courtesy of Kuting’s griller and special marinade, Marge and JR’s fish and special coleslaw and Bubbles’ special chocolate cake.

It turned out to be a dog party as well, because Glico was there.
And Ikoy, though a bit sick, was a special guest due to public demand. Racquel became an “ate” looking after him.

Lastly, it turned our to be a Wii party. Everyone got a chance at the Kung Fu dance.

Gifts. Fun. Friends.
Now, I feel Christmas.

Happy Birthday Shashing

Exerpts from the surprise AVP to Shashing.
Mga tanong:
1. Bilib ako kay Elijah dahil sya ay:
2. Ang natatanging karanasan ko kasama si Elijah ay nung:
3. Dahil 27 taon na si Elijah, dapat lang ay:


Mga sagot ni Bamba:
1. mayroong parlor sa Marikina na ang ipangalan sa kanya, "Elijah Gaganda Ka!" Salon.

Mga sagot ni Mama Cherub:
1. magaling sya sa lahat ng bagay na gusto niyang gawin. Sinisigurado niyang buong puso ang ibubuhos niya sa mga ginagawa niya kaya't maganda ang kinalalabasan ng mga ginagawa niya. "Magis" ba.
2. nung bata pa kami at tinulak nya ako sa kalsada sa lubak lubak na bahagi. Hindi naman ako nasagasaan, nasugat lang. Pinatawad ko na siya sapagkaat habang tumatanda kami, ilang beses na niya akong pinagtangool, inalagaan at tinulungan at bawat sandali, pinapakita niyang mahal niya ako. Kaya't pinagtatawanan na lang namin ang kwentong yon dahil hinid pa rin namin alam kung bakit niya ako tinulak.
3. matuto na siyang magsaing at magluto bukod sa pansit canton, pancake, hotdog, itlog at iba pang mga prito. Dapat ay aralin na niya ang sinigang ni papa at ang spaghetti ni mommy para hindi niya ito mamiss kung malayo siya sa amin.

Mga sagot ni Nuni:
1. magaling sa lahat ng kanyang mga narating at nagawa sa buhay, matapang sa mga pagkakataong kailangan, nakakapagpakita ng kanyang pagmamahal sa sarili nyang paraan.
2. nung magkasabay kaming nagpu-pupu sa isang toilet bowl nung bata kami. Back to back.
3. sagutin ka na nya!

Mga sagot ni Papa:
1. dalawang kutsarang kanin at isang saging ay busog na busog na siya.
2. yung araw na hanap ako nang hanap ng patay na daga sa bahay... yun pala, paa lang niya yung naaamoy ko.
3. matuto na siyang magligpit ng kama pagkagising.

Happy birthday Shashing.

Subic Getaway

We promised Ikoy we’d let him see tigers and dolphins so the holiday was the best chance for us. We were able to convince Papa Chime to join us through Ikoy’s power. Papa Rene, Kuya Sheng-sheng and Desy tagged along and so did Tita Bebe, Ate Beeday and Migs. This was the third time I went to Zoobic Safari and Ocean Adventure, but this was a different experience because of Ikoy.

What’s to see on Zoobic Safari:
1. A mini-zoo of exotic animals. Shashing afraid of birds. Ikoy was happy to see the lion.
2. Serpentarium. Ikoy afraid of snakes, he had his eyes closed the whole time.
3. Rodent world.
4. Aeta’s trail with a short show of the natives.
5. Savannah. Nuni scared of ostriches.
6. Croco loco. A close encounter with crocodiles.
7. Tiger Close encounter. Tigers inside cages.
8. Tiger safari. All were amazed with the different experience, feeding the tiger. Especially Ikoy and Migs.
What’s to see in Ocean Adventure:
1. Aquarium. Ikoy was happy to see Nemo.
2. Sea lion show. Funny and cute sea lion.
3. Walk on the Wild side. Entertaining show that features wild life of the forest. Papa Rene found a bag under his seat—with a snake inside.
4. Rap, jump and roll. Migs liked the mascots. We enjoyed the acrobats dressed as dolphins.
5. Dolphin show. Still spectacular the third time around! For me, this is better than HK’s Ocean Park dolphin show. Mamalilub agreed.

Instant MakeUp Artist

I can count on my fingers the few times that I had makeup on my face: my wedding, special friends’ weddings, my college graduation, a party night out my best friend just made fond of me… Note that on my 29 years of existence, I never touched… moreso, learned how to use makeup.
But last Wednesday, because of my unconditional love for Kuting, I was taught how to apply basic makeup. The reason, she has a part on a wedding that we are supposed to attend. Due to time constraint and the event location, she couldn’t get anyone to put makeup on her. I was actually kidding when I volunteered, but she took it seriously. Thus, the practice makeup session with a professional artist. Most times, I just followed the instructions, laughed when she looked too white.. or when the lines where too dark. But I got a thumbs up for my masterpiece. Not bad for a first timer. Here are my notes.

1. Moisturizer using bare hands.
2. Foundation on face and neck.
3. Concealer on the eyes. (Too hide the eye bags.)
4. Eye brows. (Like combing upwards the first half and downwards the second half.)
5. Eye shadow, lighter color below. (Hard part.)
6. Eye liner. (My favorite, it’s just like drawing.)
7. Mascara on eye lashes, base color first then dark color, zigzag coat.
8. Make her smile, apply blush on in her cheeks in circular motion.(Smile, smile, smile.)
9. Lip liner on the lips.
10. Lip stick and lip gloss.
11. Bronzer on the sides to blend with the skin.
12. Apply face powder.
I am keeping my fingers crossed. I hope I could do this again for the event.
Thanks to Toni, our teacher.
And to the Samsons, for the pasta.

Gardeners

Last weekend, he woke up and thought of cutting the grass on our front yard. So in between the rounds of Pacman vs Cotto’s fight, he cut the grass. Knowing Dennis and how he does everything, he had all the tools that he needed and he had his own systematic way of cutting the grass. While he was the master grass cutter, Kuya Shosh was his “sous-cutter.”

Yes, we celebrated Pacman’s victory after three hours, when he finished cutting the grass. A few days later, he had sunburn and his arms ached.

Container-addict

One of my favorite kitchen things is a gift that we received from our wedding, a set of Pyrex Rectangle Dish. Among my many addictions, this one I’ll admit, I am a container-addict. I like to buy jars, air-tight containers in all sizes and shapes. Primary uses for me: for keeping food in the refrigerator, or frozen meat in the freezer, or for packed lunches. I especially liked the Pyrex Sets because aside from being used for storage, I use it as a serving dish as well. And so last week, when we were in Eastwood, we got two smaller sets for a fair price. yey!

Grass-head

Once a month, when his hair starts to look like a grass-head, that is the time that I get to cut his hair. Well, shave his hair is the more suitable term. Thinking that this saves money and time to go the barbershop, we retired the old electric shaver and purchased a new one lately. Complete with all the “gadgets,” I play Dennis’ personal stylist, or plainly, his barber, for thirty minutes to an hour until he becomes bald again. Not sure if we really get to save electricity but this is one of things I enjoy doing.

The last time, Lij and Josh were there and they took pictures as they watched Dennis turn into his normal-no-hair -look from being a grass-head.

Saturday Night Club

Everytime we pick up Ikoy on Saturday mornings, he would always ask the same question. “Tutulog ba tayo sa bahay ganda nuni?” In an excited, yet, "please-fully" manner, you couldn’t say no. So my sisters and their better halves are all in for the sleepover. Thus, the birth of the Saturday Night Club.






Ikoy has a different set of toys for every house and so he looks forward to playing with Woody and the 101 Dalmatians. He wouldn’t stop playing with Casper, Cotton and Ginger to the point that the dogs themselves, will hide from him. He also likes taking a bath on the shower and would make each of us smell him afterwards claiming, “Lilo ako sa ulan.”

We? We just look forward to every weekend with him. Aside from the coffee, dessert, home cooked brunches, I look forward to a house with more than two people on weekends. And spending quality time with my sisters.

Rainbows

Typhooon “Ondoy” hit most of part of Metro Manila last September 26, 2009. Most of us had a share of stories and experiences. For us, it was just the house: the furniture and appliances. What was painful are the photo albums and the old pictures that were destroyed, and the one and only videotape of mommy. And of course, Papa’s labrador, Caloy.

As they say, after the storm, there is always a rainbow. Blessings came with all the family and friends that sent a simple caring text or email. “Taskforce Marcial” went there to the rescue. We didn’t mind cleaning piles of mud or washing tons of dirty clothes because we are sharing stories, smiling and laughing. Bonding and spending quality time. Rebuilding the house is far from being completed. But we are thankful that Papa is safe. The best rainbow of all is realizing, more of being reminded, that Mommy Rose is always by his side, watching him.

Pag-uusap sa "TEXT"

Umaga
Ama: Huwag na kayong pumunta dito dahil baha na papasok.
Anak: Ok, mamaya na lang tayo lumabas, kapag tumigil na ang ulan.

Tanghali
Anak: Kamusta ka na dyan? Malakas pa din ang ulan dito.
Ama: Papasok na ang tubig sa loob ng bahay.
Anak: Ok ka lang ba dyan? Ayaw mo bang umalis, magpasundo?
Ama: Hindi na. Dito lang ako.

Hapon
Anak: Baha na sa labas. Papasok na din yata ang tubig sa loob.
Ama: Dito may tubig na, hanggang tuhod.
Anak: May pagkain ka ba? Ayaw mo pa ding umalis dyan?
Ama: Oo, meron. Hindi ako aalis dito.

Gabi
Ama: Nandito na ako sa simbahan. Lagpas bewang na ang tubig sa loob. Hindi ko na narinig si Sam at Caloy na tumahol.
Anak: May mga kasama ka dyan?
Ama: Oo, may mga tao naman dito.
Anak: Yung paa mo, yung mga sugat mo.
Ama: Hindi, ok lang.
Anak: Kumain ka?
Ama: Oo.
Anak: Pa, sorry mag-isa ka dyan ngayon. Birthday mo pa naman, wala kami. Hindi ka naman namin mapuntahan kahit na gustung-gusto namin.
Ama: Ok lang ako.

Alas tres
Ama: Andito na ako sa bahay. Wala nang tubig sa loob. Madumi at maputik lang.
Anak: Mabuti.
Ama: Si Sam buhay, si Caloy wala na. Si Justin, hindi ko pa nakita.
Anak: May higaan ka?
Ama: Pwede na sa kama ko.
Anak: O sige, magpahinga ka na. Punta kami dyan agad pag-umaga.
Ama: Ok.

Simula noong bata ako, hindi naman kami masyado nag-uusap. Madalas, isang tanong isang sagot lang. Kahit nga madikit lang ang dulo ng daliri ko sa kanya, parang hindi ko matandaang nangyari. Pero ito na marahil ang pinakamahaba at pinakamatagal na pag-uusap namin, kahit na sa text lang. Andoon pa din ang mga isang linyang sagot at tanong, at ang pag-aalinlangan ng pagpapakita ng tunay na nararamdaman. Pero pinilit pa rin naming iparating ang pag-alala namin para sa kanya. At tingin ko, pinilit din niyang ibsan ang takot sa amin.

Iniisip ko kung bakit hindi siya nagpasundo nung umaga, o ba’t hindi siya lumisan nung tanghali pa lang o kung bakit hanggang kaya pa niya, hindi niya ito iiwan. Hangggang sa huling minuto ay hindi niya inalisan ang bahay na yon. At hindi siya lumayo, at binalikan pa ito kaagad. May puntong naiinis na kami dahil gamit lang naman ang andon at mas mahalaga ang kanyang kaligtasan. Nito na lang sumagi sa isip ko ang dahilan. Hindi lang tatlong aso ang kasama niya. Hindi siya mag-isa ng birthday niya. Ayaw niyang umalis sa bahay dahil ang bahay na iyon ang tanging lugar na may pinakamaraming alaala ni mommy. Kaya’t alam niyang ligtas siya don, hindi siya nag-iisa. Kasama niya si mommy.

At naintindihan ko na.

After All

After a few months, we got to see Chawo again. Awkward at first but it was fun. And at the end of that day, we were happy, for both of them.

The Nurse

During the time that Mommy was sick, she had an “imported” nurse. Yes, a nurse all the way from Canada, who took time, packed her bags and went to the Philippines to take care of her, even for just a few weeks. When Tita Maricar was here the last time, I remember how she spent every single day with Mommy. As a nurse, she gave her the proper medical attention that she needs. As a sister, she held her. Talked to her and listened as well, fighting to hide the pain, always keeping the smile on her face.

After eight years, she came back with her family for a visit. On their farewell party, Papa came up to her and talked to her. “Maricar, gusto ko magpasalamat sayo. Sa lahat ng ginawa mo noon kay Rose. Hindi ko makakaya lahat yon kung wala ka.” And she smiled.

I seldom hear Papa say thank you. But then he knew the unconditional love the sisters had for each other. He just needed to remind Tita Maricar.. or himself. Perhaps, all of us well.

Balikbayans

Tita Maricar and her family had a surprise visit to the Philippines. This was the first time that we met our cousins, Youlein, Jireh and Zian and we got along after a few introductions. Nanay’s very happy seeing them.

I remember Youlein when he was a baby, she is a beautiful lady now. Zian’s shy but so pretty, she was very sweet, always standing by Nanay’s side, holding her hand. Jireh is the curious one, always asking questions—trying to understand Tagalog.


A typical group picture with Nanay’s angels, but this time with three more APO’s.

President Cory

We joined the country in bringing President Cory Aquino’s remains on Manila Memorial Park. A glimpse of her was enough for every Filipino-- to show our gratitude, and respect for a woman like her.

Breakfast at Singapore

I usually just have coffee during mornings but when we were there, I got fond of eating breakfast. For reasons that I can't explain, (even after analyzing)... it was delicious and fun to eat. It was more like how they serve breakfast in hotels. And it gives a good and happy early-morning-start, during, and after eating.

Here are the ingredients:
1. A cup of coffee with sugar and fresh milk
2. A few slices of toasted wheat bread
3. Spreadable butter
4. Sugar-free strawberry jam
5. A sunny-side-up egg cooked the way I want it


And so I tried the same breakfast when we came back. I brought back the same (almost) strawberry jam. Bought the same ingredients, and even got the same bread toaster. But it didn't taste the same.


Then, I realized that there were more ingredients that I missed:
1. the adorable baby princess that crawls on the floors and gives you the cutest smiles.
2. the dad who works hard and even goes home for lunch to spend time with his girls.
3. the uncle who claims to just wash dishes and do the laundy, but never complains when asked to do anything.
4. the mama-ate and bestfriend who tirelessly takes the best care of the baby princess, almost leaving nothing for herself.

I missed and I am missing more. Unfortunately, I couldn't bring them back home with me.

The good thing, there is a new "baby" addition to the many reasons why I go to Singapore. The not so good thing, the same addition becomes a reason why it breaks my heart every time I leave.

At Last..

The dining room is the next one on the list.

The 22" wall mounted LCD TV is courtesy of Auntie Debot who we love very much. Denden and I were the ones who installed the TV mount, DVD player shelf and the home theater system. Of course, I am just an assistant. Now we can watch when eating, PLUS--swinging it a bit to the right, I could watch from the kitchen as well.





I think I've mentioned sometime ago that our dining set were custom made. We made our own designs, mostly "Ikea-inspired", gave them to Justin, then Justin gave them to his Uncle, Father Gil. Then Father Gil took them to the furniture maker. Note that this is in Vigan. And so, we just waited... and waited.. and waited.

And though there was a one month delay in the delivery, it was worth it!

We made some specifications on our drawing but most of it, was up to the furniture maker. The type of wood they used was Mahogany... The outcome-- was so much more than we expected.

Next In Line

So here are the series of pictures that will complete our house.
Next to the kitchen is the living room.

Due to the size of our living room, we were careful of picking the right furniture that won't take too much space, and yet, would receive and accomodate guests. After all, this is the receiving area, right? And so, we opted for a three-seater black leater sofa bed with two Ottoman and a three-layer (wood-glass-glass) center table.

The center table even has a story. We didn't realize that the top layer was too big so I took it to the glass cutters and had the four sides reduced.

The oversized mirror on one side did make the room bigger. And the lamp, bought even before we started building the house, was finally in place.

More than Meets the Eye

I have promised some people that I will show our kitchen and so this whole entry is about the “only-fully-finished-and-furnished” part of our house. Not to mention my most favorite, most expensive thus my most loved part. A combination of both our ideas, Denden would like to describe our kitchen to have three parts, from the left, middle to the right.

The first part on the left is the where you get the supplies. Thus, the refrigerator and a rather big pantry cabinet with a number of all-purpose stainless inserts that you could easily pull out, one-by-one after opening the glass, aluminum framed door.

On the middle part the washing area with a two-bowl sink with drain and a very special faucet. Ever since, I have wanted a faucet like that from Ikea. A day with George on the streets of Soler, we saw that faucet. I am advancing a thank you to George, not only for the day in Soler, but for all the things he has done for the house construction. There wouldn’t have been a kitchen without the house. And the house wouldn’t have been finished this way, if it weren’t for him. Going back to the faucet, it was not exactly the Ikea faucet, but better, because it is stainless. It has a main outlet and two other separate openings, for the normal faucet and another for the handspray that you could pull out. A little more expensive but I didn’t have second thoughts of buying.


Underneath the sink are the cabinets with inserts where the dishes, plates and glasses are placed. We especially have a drawer for the cutlery with stainless dividers inside. A particular insert that we had is the magic corner to maximize the spaces for the two corners; we placed food containers, mugs and glasses here. Above is the spice rack I once mentioned before that hid the electrical panel beneath.

The first time we saw the doors, we imagined right away that it was what he wanted for our kitchen. The piano-lacquer doors were ordered from Ariston Hardware. Also the custom made pantry door. Special thanks to Henry who had been very helpful and accommodating to us. All the drawers and most doors are soft-closed. It’s like it has brakes even if you slam them and they will close slowly. It took some time installing these cabinets because the doors are fixed and couldn’t be adjusted, and the inserts need to be fit and aligned properly. And so, my handyman installed the door handles himself because we didn't have a carpenter to finish it off.

A black and white kitchen, whose idea is that? Some might not notice but what makes the white cabinets stand out is the black countertop right in the middle. Right? It is not made of granite but of synthetic stone, a black Tiffany Marble countertop. These are cultured stones, measured, custom built and molded into one piece. From Stoneworks, thanks to Uncle/Sir Jes.

Lastly, the cooking area. Underneath the cook top are two big pull-out drawers for the pots and pans. And small pull-out condiments rack where we put oil and the liquid condiments. On top are open-shelf cabinets for other materials and utensils.

This is the reason why I look forward to going home after office to cook dinner, even for just two people. It is our dream kitchen, exactly what we want and where we want it. We're proud and happy that it turned out the way we drew the layout back in November. I said it this more than meets the eye because, it doesn’t only look good on the outside, but it is very functional on the inside. Papa mentioned the other day that we should have a dirty kitchen outside, so that we won’t have to use the kitchen. Denden and I looked at each other and we both agreed to disagree. This is not a show kitchen, but our dream kitchen: and we will use and enjoy every part of it, every day.

One-month anniversary

It has been a month since we moved in.
I could say we've settled already. We've cleaned the place and started doing our normal house chores. Cooking, this time, feels very different (I meant better different..) on my favorite place in the house.

Will post pictures soon, after the two items below have been delivered.
1. The furnitures.
2. Some appliances.

Ha! Patience is a virtue.

Dream Come True

You could call the house a dream come true, but I am not posting any pictures yet, and this isn't about the house.

More than I that, I am referring to our favorite couple with their very beautiful and lovable baby who spared a day and slept over our house. It has been years since we both slept on the same room, on the same bed... and this time, there are two men and a baby with us.

A lot has changed over the years. But I am definitely sure, there is one thing that won't.

Goodwill

After two years and four months, I said goodbye to another place, we considered home. The first year there was full of fun and happy memories with Kuting and friends: experimental cooking, countless of dinner nights, parties composed of 6-7 people and so much more. The wedding preparations all took place in Goodwill: painting of the souvenir pots, the making of the invitations with sisters… looking back, it makes me smile.

During the second year, it was just the two of us. Well, except for sleepover nights with Ikoy and my sisters. But more than that, we experienced living as husband and wife: going home, cooking dinner just for two people, doing house chores together, sleeping every night with the thought that it is just him and me.

This day, we packed our things and said goodbye to Goodwill. Always remembering that it has been a witness to an eventful chapter of my life.

I especially thank our landlord, who had been very good to us.

Babies again?

The third batch of Casper’s puppies was born this day. They didn’t even wait until we transferred to the other house. Two new puppies, we call them Bulilit and Ate. How come everything is too easy for Casper and Cotton?

Some Pictures

Our room with the newly-installed sliding door grilles.










Harry's cupboard under stairs - Our version, Shoe rack under the stairs.










One of the kitchen cabinets, a spice rack to hide the electrical panel underneath.

My Handyman

After several weeks of waiting (for a discount / sale) and wanting (to install it), yesterday, we completely ignored paying of almost Php13K for Rubbermaid’s Configurations, the D-I-Y closet for our room.
After almost five hours of careful design configuration, measurement, some cutting, drilling, screwing and the whole assembly, my handyman, no other than Denden, finished installing our closet.
His fee, dinner to his favorite restaurant and a movie.

Bathrooms

We got a good deal for the fixtures of the two bathrooms. We were supposed to get HCG’s Cezzane package for Php 5.2K. When we were ready to buy, we saw the Monet package at a sale price of Php5.4K. That was our lucky day, we got a better set of bathroom fixtures for just an additional price of Php200.

However, for our own bathroom, it was a different story. Each piece is especially bought at different instances on a shop at MC Home Depot, Ortigas. The rain shower didn’t have a mixer, so we matched an American Standard mixer with it. (and placed the shower head on the other bathroom.) The Panasonic Multipoint water heater, supplies hot/cold water to the showers of the two bathrooms on the second floor.
We liked the corner lavatory instantly because of the size that would fit our small bathroom. And the water closet. Bought last December, was supposed to be delivered second week of April, but was delayed. Then we had to exchange it because what was delivered had a crack and was the last piece. BUT--- what we got was more beautiful and more expensive. AND--- we didn’t pay for the additional cost.

A-L-M-O-S-T

What’s left to finish on the other rooms are the grilles for the windows. We needed to have them installed for added security. But aside from that, the floor tiles are finished. The ceiling and the walls are painted with its final coat. We decided to use blue-and-white alternately for the four walls of the room. And I was amazed with the outcome. Nice.


While on our room, aside from the grilles, what's left to finish are the laminated wood flooring. The grilles for the sliding door need to be installed first before the laminated wood. The color is supposedly Salmon—but ended up on a light Salmon with a touch of yellow. And a white MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) door with a good type of knob. I didn't even know that these door knobs/locks have classication. Our room was not that big so we decided not to have side tables with the bed. And instead, we asked the carpenter to make side-cabinets on the two sides, a combination of closed and open shelves with different sizes, from floor to ceiling. It has been painted as well. I’m not very good with mixing and matching colors, most ideas aren’t mine. But so far, so good.

I’m keeping my fingers crossed --- that we get the funds before the week ends.